Results for From the Courts

A verdict is expected this week in a jury trial against Viliami Mangisi (59) charged in relation to the seizure of 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine at Fua‘amotu International Airport. The trial is underway at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Tonga’s National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) exceeded its authority when it imposed sanctions, while ‘Atenisi had an application for accreditation pending. In a Supreme Court judgment this week, Lord Chief Justice Whitten said that while the Act enables the board to make policies - it cannot create or confer on itself any power, which is not provided for by the Act or which contravene fundamental rights.

The hearing of an ongoing court battle between Lord Sevele-‘O-Vailahi, the Chairperson with nine staff members of Tonga’s Pacific Games Organizing Committee, in a court case against the Kingdom of Tonga is scheduled to be heard by Lord Chief Justice M.H. Whitten QC, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court on 14 February 2020.

The case against five men charged with the murder of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) in the Nuku'alofa CBD in February this year has been adjourned to October 21.

'Alifeleti Katoa (44) was acquitted of possession of methamphetamine by a Supreme Court judge, after the Crown failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the charge against him.

The Government of Tonga and a newly created Tonga Ma‘a Tonga Rugby League (TMTRL) organisation have been prohibited by the Supreme Court from interfering in any affairs of the Tonga National Rugby League (TNRL) body.

Seven people, including a suspended police officer arrested in a methamphetamine and cocaine bust last month, are expected to appear on November 25, at the Fasi Magistrate’s Court.

A 74-year-old man of Chinese origin was awarded $12,000 pa'anga in damages by the Supreme Court, for emotional suffering and injuries suffered, after being assaulted by his son-in-law in 2016.

Five men charged with the murder of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) in February this year remain on the Supreme Court's “no fly” list and are prohibited from travelling outside of Tonga.